Going to the DARK SIDE!!!!

Discussion in 'Anything Goes' started by James Bond, Jul 20, 2021.

  1. James Bond

    James Bond Member

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    That's right! I actually sold my 8th gen. VFR and, after being bikeless for six months, I need to do something about it.

    I sold the VFR because it was beating up my body too much (i.e. PAIN) and the VFR isn't something I can ride long distances with for days in a row.

    SOOOO, that means new Goldwing. Yes, they are hard to find and dealers don't want to deal. That said, I would appreciate any dealer recommendations for a new bike or a very slightly used one. I knew and have been reminded how many jerks there are in the motorcycle business.

    Recommendations appreciated! Thanks, JB
     
  2. Terry Smith

    Terry Smith Member

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    None of us are getting any younger, so I quite understand swapping bikes to maintain riding comfort. I transitioned from my VFR (which was a bit hard on knees and wrists) to an ST1300 (which is pretty fast and comfy, but heavy and a bit hot) to my current ride, a Yamaha MT-10. This is lighter than the VFR, has a rangy riding position (better than the ST) and goes like a rocket, while sounding a lot like a VFR. Not quite the tourer that the ST was, but for a 1000km day it is pretty darn good. A few more litres of fuel capacity wouldn't go astray however...
    IMG_1990.jpg
     
  3. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    Going to the DARK SIDE!!!!

    Was a lot darker in my imagination than what it turned out to be. I thought you meant Suzuki or something. I haven't ridden the latest, but the gen it replaced was stellar. Don't know if I'll ever be a Winger (currently have an ST1100 in the garage along with all the VFRs), but as long as you keep the stuffed animals and satin jackets away, you won't get any snide comments from me.

    Good luck!
     
  4. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    I test rode an 8th gen a couple years ago. Just love those sexy devils. But the ergonomics are just a little different than the 6th gen, and I was starting to get pretty sore after just an hour, whereas I could ride hours and hours on the 6th gen with little issues. So I spent some money beautifying the 6th gen again.

    I would like to get a Gold Wing though. But I can't justify that kind of money just for myself. And my wife has made it clear she won't ride. And the wife wants me to stop seeing my girlfriend so there ya go. Maybe some day I will get one anyway. Fuck'm all.
     
  5. Boosh63

    Boosh63 Member

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    Going to the dark side is putting car tires on a motorcycle. Hahaha!!

    Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk
     
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  6. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    I would not doubt if some people would try that. There was a guy who showed up here from time to time that has or maybe did try that. Sow we called him. His handle was Son of Wolf. A real piece of work. Badbilly used to go at him on a regular basis. He was an item too but haven't seen either of them in a very long time.
     
  7. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    Bad Billy passed away a while back. I think he was SOW too......
     
  8. Boosh63

    Boosh63 Member

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    Ah geeez...Bad Billly sure did make me laugh. RIP
     
  9. vfrgiving

    vfrgiving New Member

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    I made my VFRs into standards instead of swapping for a different model. Both of my 5th gens have a more upright and relaxed leg position than a stock MT-10. Hurricane has kits to do this for 5th and 6th gens that replicate the police VFR seating position. Toss on some lowered footpegs with the handlebar conversion and you're golden. I was able to do a 700 mile day over the weekend with this arrangement.

    I would think with enough effort someone could do this to an 8th gen. Hurricane already sells the hardware that allows a standard 7/8" handlebar to be bolted up, like shown in this kit: https://japan.webike.net/products/22639690.html
    Under bracket HB0663 is the part that adapts to 43mm forks. https://www.hurricane-web.jp/product/?itemw=hb0663&mode=item
    Then it's a matter of working out if controls cabling is long enough, longer throttle cables, hoses, and any windshield or fairing mods for clearance.
     
  10. cat0020

    cat0020 Trumper

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    BTDT over a decade ago, both GW & car tire mounted on rear wheel of 2-wheel vehicles.

    Goldwing may be attractive for comfort on long distance riding, but things can easily get out-of-hand when you come to parking lot speed after long hours on the highway. The sudden realization of maneuvering 700 lb. weight with your own strength when you're already tired and not moved for a while.
    If you have lots of garage space & strength to maneuver & man-handle the 700+ lb. beast after long hours in the saddle, then GW may not be such a bad idea.

    Going darkside (using car tire on motorcycle) https://vfrworld.com/threads/any-one-dark-siding.55185/ has actually been a good experience, if not for all the nay-sayers without any practical experience on the topic. Car tire cost less, last longer, less frequent rear tire change, better ride quality for highway riding and better traction in wet & snow.
    Minor difference in handling while bike transitions between upright & leaned is just something you get used to as you ride, just like any new tire mounted on a bike.

    If you're looking for 2-wheel bike that is more comfortable to ride than your old VFR, give Maxi-scooter a try.
    Some scooters have triple digit speed capability, large & wide (rider & passenger) seating area, weight down low to the ground, tons of storage space without external luggage, twist-n-go to save hand strength and clutch-less/push button shifting.
    I have own four different Burgman 650 models, ALL of them purchased under $3k; still have two of them at different locations.
    Wife has never been happier to ride with me on the Burgman.
    Among all my other bikes, Burgman is the most practical, least maintenance required and most easily operated.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  11. raYzerman

    raYzerman Member

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    Back in the day... ran one for 3 years.
     

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